Pro-EU centrist wins Romania’s tense presidential race over hard-right nationalist

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Pro-European Union candidate Nicusor Dan on Sunday won Romania’s closely watched presidential runoff against a hard-right nationalist who modeled his campaign after U.S. President Donald Trump. The victory marked a major turnaround in a tense election that many viewed as a geopolitical choice for the former Eastern Bloc country between East or West.

The race pitted front-runner George Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the hard-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, or AUR, against Dan, the incumbent mayor of Bucharest. It was held months after the cancelation of the previous election plunged Romania into its worst political crisis in decades.

With more than 99% of polling stations reporting, Dan was ahead with 53.9%, while Simion trailed at 46.1%, according to official data. In the first-round vote on May 4, Simion won almost twice as many votes as Dan, and many local surveys predicted he would secure the presidency.

But in a swing that appeared to be a repudiation of Simion’s skeptical approach to the EU, which Romania joined in 2007, Dan picked up almost 900,000 more votes to solidly defeat his opponent in the final round.

On Sunday evening, thousands gathered outside Dan’s headquarters near Bucharest City Hall to await the final results, chanting “Nicusor!” Each time his lead widened as more results came in, the crowd, many waving the flags of Europe, would erupt in cheers.

Once it was clear he had secured a victory, Dan gave an emotional speech from an outdoor stage where he thanked his supporters, and reached out to Simion’s backers with a message of national unity.

“What you have done as a society in these past weeks has been extraordinary,” he said. “Our full respect for those who had a different choice today, and for those who made a different choice in the first round. We have a Romania to build together, regardless of political choices.”

Final electoral data showed a 64% voter turnout — a sharp increase from the first round on May 4 where 53% of eligible voters cast a ballot. About 1.64 million Romanians abroad participated in the vote, some 660,000 more than in the first round.

The high turnout was believed to have benefited Dan who, shortly after 11 p.m. local time, emerged onto the balcony of his headquarters and waved to his thousands of supporters who had gathered along the length of a boulevard in central Bucharest, eliciting an ecstatic roar from the crowd.

At the raucous rally, Ruxandra Gheorghiu, 23, told The Associated Press that she had been considering leaving Romania, but that with Dan’s victory, “I feel like everything is going to be fine.”

“I was so scared that our European course is near the end. … We are still in Europe and we are not fighting for this right,” she said. “I cannot explain the feeling right now.”

Dan, a 55-year-old mathematician who rose to prominence as a civic activist fighting against illegal real estate projects, founded the reformist Save Romania Union party in 2016 but later left, and ran independently on a pro-EU ticket reaffirming Western ties, support for Ukraine and fiscal reform.

After the election Sunday, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent her “warmest congratulations” to Dan and noted that Romanians “turned out massively” to vote.

“They have chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe,” she said in a post on X. “Together let’s deliver on that promise.”

Romania’s political landscape was upended last year when a top court voided the previous election in which far-right outsider Calin Georgescu topped first-round polls, following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow denied.

Simion capitalized on the furor over the annulment of that election and, after coming fourth in last year’s canceled race, allied with Georgescu, who was banned in March from running in the election redo.

Simion then surged to front-runner in the May 4 first round after becoming the standard-bearer for the hard right, and promised to appoint Georgescu prime minister if he secured the presidency.

Years of endemic corruption and growing anger toward Romania’s political establishment have fueled a surge in support for anti-establishment and hard-right figures, reflecting a broader pattern across Europe. Both Simion and Dan have made their political careers railing against Romania’s old political class.

Cristian Andrei, a Bucharest-based political consultant, told the AP that the election results showed that Romanians “rejected hate and reactionary politics and embraced the pro-western direction” for their country, which has played a major logistical role in delivering Western assistance to neighboring Ukraine in its fight against Russia's full-scale invasion.

“It is a win for the optimistic Romania, but there is a large part of voters that are really upset with the direction of the country,” he said. “Romania comes out of this election very divided, with a totally new political landscape, where older political parties are challenged to adapt to a new reality.”

In the lead-up to Sunday's vote, Simion's rhetoric had raised some concerns that he wouldn't respect the outcome if he lost. In the early afternoon, he told reporters that his team was confident in a “landslide victory,” if the election was “free and fair.”

In the afternoon on election day, he repeated allegations of voting irregularities among Romanian citizens in neighboring Moldova and said that his party members would conduct a parallel vote count after polls closed.

However, Simion gave a statement on social media in the early hours on Monday acknowledging that “we lost the second round of the elections.”

“We cannot accuse significant tampering with the ballots," he said. "We'll continue to represent the sovereignist, patriotic, conservative movement in Romania, and we'll continue to fight ... for freedom, for God, for family and for our common ideas.”

The president is elected for a five-year term and has significant decision-making powers in matters of national security and foreign policy. As winner of Sunday's race, Dan will be charged with nominating a new prime minister after Marcel Ciolacu stepped down following the failure of his coalition’s candidate to advance to the runoff.

Supporters of Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan celebrate on the street after polls closed for the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Supporters of Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan celebrate on the street after polls closed for the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan speaks to media after polls closed for the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan waves to his supporters after polls closed for the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, early Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Presidential candidate George Simion, right, and Calin Georgescu, winner of the first round of last year's annulled election, speak to the media after casting their votes in the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Mogosoaia, Romania, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan exits a voting cabin before casting his vote in the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Fagaras, Romania, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduard Vinatoru)

People exit voting cabins with the colours of the Romanian flag as curtains, before casting their vote, in the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Presidential candidate George Simion casts his vote next to his wife Ilinca in the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Mogosoaia, Romania, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Presidential candidate George Simion, right, and Calin Georgescu, winner of the first round of last year's annulled election, speak to media after casting their votes in the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Mogosoaia, Romania, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Supporters of Presidential candidate George Simion and Calin Georgescu, winner of the first round of last year's annulled election, gather in front of a polling station in the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Mogosoaia, Romania, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

A man casts his vote in the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Mogosoaia, Romania, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Presidential candidate George Simion, right, and Calin Georgescu, winner of the first round of last year's annulled election, speak to media after casting their votes in the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Mogosoaia, Romania, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Presidential candidate George Simion casts his vote next to his wife Ilinca in the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Mogosoaia, Romania, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

FILE - Presidential candidates Nicusor Dan, left, and George Simion take a break during a live electoral debate ahead of the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday night, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File)

FILE - Presidential candidate George Simion gestures during a live electoral debate with presidential candidate Nicusor Dan ahead of the second round of the country's presidential election redo in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru, File)

U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran has proposed negotiations after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic as an ongoing crackdown on demonstrators has led to hundreds of deaths.

Trump said late Sunday that his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran, but cautioned that he may have to act first as reports mount of increasing deaths and the government continues to arrest protesters.

“The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up. Iran called, they want to negotiate,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday night.

Iran did not acknowledge Trump’s comments immediately. It has previously warned the U.S. military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if America uses force to protect demonstrators.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has accurately reported on past unrest in Iran, gave the death toll. It relies on supporters in Iran cross checking information. It said at least 544 people have been killed so far, including 496 protesters and 48 people from the security forces. It said more than 10,600 people also have been detained over the two weeks of protests.

With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. Iran’s government has not offered overall casualty figures.

The Latest:

A witness told the AP that the streets of Tehran empty at the sunset call to prayers each night.

Part of that stems from the fear of getting caught in the crackdown. Police sent the public a text message that warned: “Given the presence of terrorist groups and armed individuals in some gatherings last night and their plans to cause death, and the firm decision to not tolerate any appeasement and to deal decisively with the rioters, families are strongly advised to take care of their youth and teenagers.”

Another text, addressed “Dear parents,” which claimed to come from the intelligence arm of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, also directly warned people not to take part in demonstrations.

The witness spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing crackdown.

—- By Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Iran drew tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators to the streets Monday in a show of power after nationwide protests challenging the country’s theocracy.

Iranian state television showed images of demonstrators thronging Tehran toward Enghelab Square in the capital.

It called the demonstration an “Iranian uprising against American-Zionist terrorism,” without addressing the underlying anger in the country over the nation’s ailing economy. That sparked the protests over two weeks ago.

State television aired images of such demonstrations around the country, trying to signal it had overcome the protests, as claimed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier in the day.

China says it opposes the use of force in international relations and expressed hope the Iranian government and people are “able to overcome the current difficulties and maintain national stability.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday that Beijing “always opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs, maintains that the sovereignty and security of all countries should be fully protected under international law, and opposes the use or threat of use of force in international relations.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned “in the strongest terms the violence that the leadership in Iran is directing against its own people.”

He said it was a sign of weakness rather than strength, adding that “this violence must end.”

Merz said during a visit to India that the demonstrators deserve “the greatest respect” for the courage with which “they are resisting the disproportional, brutal violence of Iranian security forces.”

He said: “I call on the Iranian leadership to protect its population rather than threatening it.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman on Monday suggested that a channel remained open with the United States.

Esmail Baghaei made the comment during a news conference in Tehran.

“It is open and whenever needed, through that channel, the necessary messages are exchanged,” he said.

However, Baghaei said such talks needed to be “based on the acceptance of mutual interests and concerns, not a negotiation that is one-sided, unilateral and based on dictation.”

The semiofficial Fars news agency in Iran, which is close to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, on Monday began calling out Iranian celebrities and leaders on social media who have expressed support for the protests over the past two weeks, especially before the internet was shut down.

The threat comes as writers and other cultural leaders were targeted even before protests. The news agency highlighted specific celebrities who posted in solidarity with the protesters and scolded them for not condemning vandalism and destruction to public property or the deaths of security forces killed during clashes. The news agency accused those celebrities and leaders of inciting riots by expressing their support.

Canada said it “stands with the brave people of Iran” in a statement on social media that strongly condemned the killing of protesters during widespread protests that have rocked the country over the past two weeks.

“The Iranian regime must halt its horrific repression and intimidation and respect the human rights of its citizens,” Canada’s government said on Monday.

Iran’s foreign minister claimed Monday that “the situation has come under total control” after a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests in the country.

Abbas Araghchi offered no evidence for his claim.

Araghchi spoke to foreign diplomats in Tehran. The Qatar-funded Al Jazeera satellite news network, which has been allowed to work despite the internet being cut off in the country, carried his remarks.

Iran’s foreign minister alleged Monday that nationwide protests in his nation “turned violent and bloody to give an excuse” for U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene.

Abbas Araghchi offered no evidence for his claim, which comes after over 500 have been reported killed by activists -- the vast majority coming from demonstrators.

Araghchi spoke to foreign diplomats in Tehran. The Qatar-funded Al Jazeera satellite news network, which has been allowed to work despite the internet being cut off in the country, carried his remarks.

Iran has summoned the British ambassador over protesters twice taking down the Iranian flag at their embassy in London.

Iranian state television also said Monday that it complained about “certain terrorist organization that, under the guise of media, spread lies and promote violence and terrorism.” The United Kingdom is home to offices of the BBC’s Persian service and Iran International, both which long have been targeted by Iran.

A huge crowd of demonstrators, some waving the flag of Iran, gathered Sunday afternoon along Veteran Avenue in LA’s Westwood neighborhood to protest against the Iranian government. Police eventually issued a dispersal order, and by early evening only about a hundred protesters were still in the area, ABC7 reported.

Los Angeles is home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran.

Los Angeles police responded Sunday after somebody drove a U-Haul box truck down a street crowded with the the demonstrators, causing protesters to scramble out of the way and then run after the speeding vehicle to try to attack the driver. A police statement said one person was hit by the truck but nobody was seriously hurt.

The driver, a man who was not identified, was detained “pending further investigation,” police said in a statement Sunday evening.

Shiite Muslims hold placards and chant slogans during a protest against the U.S. and show solidarity with Iran in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

Activists carrying a photograph of Reza Pahlavi take part in a rally supporting protesters in Iran at Lafayette Park, across from the White House, in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Activists take part in a rally supporting protesters in Iran at Lafayette Park, across from the White House in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Protesters burn the Iranian national flag during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)